Game apparatus requiring player dexterity

ABSTRACT

Game apparatus comprising a housing, a vertically suspended game member mounted for movement relative to the housing, a motor connected to the game member to effect oscillating movement thereof, and an electrical circuit controlling operation of the motor including a switch actuably responsive to a predetermined amount of movement of the member relative to the frame. The game member comprises a simulated skeleton carrying a number of game pieces which the game players are expected to remove without energizing the motor.

United States Patent 2,581,644 1/1952 Frick Marvin 1. Glass;

Burton C. Meyer, Chicago, 111. 811,551

Mar. 28, 1969 Feb. 23, 1971 Glass, Marvin & Associates Chicago, Ill.

Inventors Appl. No. Filed Patented Assignee GAME APPARATUS REQUIRING PLAYER DEXTERITY 3,158,370 11/1964 Pearson,Jr. 273/l(E) 3,208,747 9/1965 Kavakos..... 35/22x 3,357,115 12/1967 Kelley 35/22 3,488,050 1/1970 Stanetal. (273/1UX) Primary ExaminerRichard C. Pinkham Assistant Examiner-Paul E. Shapiro Attorneys-James F. Coffee and Gerald M. Newman ABSTRACT: Game apparatus comprising a housing, a vertically suspended game member mounted for movement relative to the housing, a motor connected to the game member to effect oscillating movement thereof, and an electrical circuit controlling operation of the motor including a switch actuably responsive to a predetermined amount of movement of the member relative to'the frame. The game member comprises a simulated skeleton carrying a number of game pieces which the game players are expected to remove without energizing the motor.

This invention relates in general to games. In particular, this invention is directed to a game of skill having an animated device which visually and audibly signals the unsuccessful performance of an act associated with the game.

i The game apparatus of the invention generally comprises a housing having a vertically suspended articulated game member, in the manner of simulated skeleton, which is constructed to support a humber of removable objects at various locations thereon, The suspensionapparatus fonns an electric switch which is actuated for short time periods responsive to movement of the skeleton as the game players remove the objects therefrom. The switch is coupled to an electric motor which operates responsive to a given accumulation of time during which the switch is closed tocause animated movement of the skeleton, indicating penalization of the game player. v

The primary object of thisinvention isto provide animated game apparatus suitable for use bya number of game players.

Another object of this invention is toprovide animated game apparatus for use in a game of skillwherein unskillful play is indicated by amusing animation of the apparatus.

A further object of this invention is to provide game apparatus for use in a game of skill comprising a vertically suspended articulated simulated skeleton carrying removable objects thereon, and an electric switchpositioned to be closed responsive to'movement ofthe skeleton for effecting amusing motorized movement thereof.

Additional objects of this invention will become apparent to those versed in thegame art upon an understanding of the .following detailed description of the gameapparatus taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which a preferred embodiment of the game apparatus is shown, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the game apparatus of the invention including an upright housing '10 and a vertically suspended simulated skeleton 12;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged, side elevational cross-sectional view of the game apparatus shown in FIG..1

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary, front elevational cross-sectional view of the game apparatus taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a top cross-sectional view. of the game apparatus taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary, elevational cross-sectional view of a portion of the simulated skeleton showing atypical articulated joint thereof and an interlocking, keyed playing piece carried on the skeleton; and

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of the electrical system of the game apparatus.

Turning now to FIG. 1 of the drawings, the game apparatus of the invention generally comprises a vertical housing 10 having an articulated, simulated skeleton 12 which is vertically suspended from the top of the housing at 13 and is adapted for movement relative thereto. A number of "removable playing pieces 14 in the manner of skeleton related objects are provided and adapted to be carried in interlocking relation on the simulated skeleton. During the course of the game play, the players are expected to skillfully remove the playing pieces from the skeleton without causing undue movement thereof.

As best seen in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, thehousing includes avertical front wall 15, a generally paralleL'spaced apart rear wall 16, and a pair of side walls 18 and 20 forming an enclosure for suitable enclosing the mechanism'and electrical power source of the apparatus. A top 22 extends forwardly in overhanging relationship to the front wall 15, forming an overhang having a fascia 24 for concealing the skeleton suspension structure 13.

Suspension structure 13 comprises a generally L-sahped cantilever bracket 26 fabricated of resilient, electrically conductive material such as spring steel. The bracket includes a short vertical leg 28 secured to the interior of rear wall 16, as by rivets 31, and a long, generally horizontal leg 30 which extends forwardly from the rear wall at a slight upwardincline. to a point rearwardly adjacent fascia 24. An electrically conductive link 32, having a hook 34. formed at its lower end, is

vertically suspended fromthc freeend of bracket 30. The

skeleton hangs freely from the bracket 30, by an eyelet 33. Thus, the cantilever bracket provides a resilient support for animation of the articulated skeleton to provide an unusual method for signifying penalization-of a game player in accordance with the rules of play.

A control knob 36, accessible from the exterior of the fascia, is joumaled in the fascia wall at 37 and supports a flat, generally horizontal,electrically conductive plate 38 having a diamond-shaped opening 40 receiving link 32 therethrough. Link 32 and plate38 form the electrical contacts of a normally openswitch 39 which closes responsive to manual movement .of the skeleton. By rotatably moving-theknob, the efi'ective size of plate opening 38 may be varied to increase or decrease the switchs sensitivity to movement of the skeleton. As 'best seen in FIG. 4, plate 38 is'horizontal and the vertical projection ofopening 40 isata maximum forproviding a relatively insensitive switch 39 On the other hand, by rotating the plate 30 in either the clockwiseor counterclockwise direction, the vertical projection of the opening is reduced and the switch is substantially moresensitive to movement of the skeleton. The sensitivity setting of'the'switch maybe indicated by a pointer 42 at the periphery of the knob.

A .U-shaped frame comprising vertical, spaced apart parallel side walls-48 and.50, and an integral back wall 54is-secured to theinterior of the rear'housing wall 16 by rivets 56. An electric motor 44 issupported between frame walls 48 and 50 and includes a horizontal shaft 58 extending through wall 50 which .carries a small drive gear 60 and a larger gear 62. A ratchettype noisemaker'64 is secured to the interior of front wall 15 by a rivet 66 and is positionedso that its free end cooperates withthe'teethof gear 62 to provide an audible clicking sound during energizationof the motor.

Drive gear .60 cooperates with a large gear.68 carried on a horizontal shaft 70 suitably joumaled between frame walls 48 and '50. Gear 68 is carried outwardly of frame wall 50 and the extreme right end of shaft 70, as seen in FIG. 3, is bent to form a crank 72.

A long, generally vertical, electrically nonconductive arm -74 is joumaled at 73 on the end of crank 72. A pin 78 is formed at theupper end of arm74 which is received through an opening 80 provided approximately centrally of bracket arm 30. Thus, as motor is energized and rotates crank 72, arm 74 moves up and down to cause vertical movement of the skeleton. Due to thearticulated construction of the skeleton, its movement is amusing to the game players.

Shaft'70 also carries a small gear 81 which cooperates with a large gear 84 on a third shaft 82. Shaft 82 is joumaled between frame walls 48 and 50 and supports a pinion gear 96 at its end. The pinion gear cooperates with a large timing gear 88 secured to a fourth shaft 90 which also carries an electrically conductive cam 92. The cam cooperates with an electrical contact 94 of asuitably positioned switch arm 96.

Switch arm 96 is secured to a horizontal extension 98 of frame side wall 50 and is carriedon an electrically insulating block 100 which isolates it from the frame. The frame and shaft 90 are suitably fabricated of electrically conductive material to provide an electrical path to conductive cam 92. The cam includesa generally circular radial portion 102 and a flat, chordal portion 104. Thus, a switch is formed by the contact 94 of switcharm 96 and the conductive cam. The switch is closed when the radial portion 102 of cam 92 engages contact94, and the switch is open when chordal portion 104 is adjacent arm contact 94.

Alternatively, the cam may be constructed of electrically nonconductive material and its radial portion 102 may cooperate with contact 94 of the switch arm to urge it outwardly into engagement with a suitably positioned stationary switch contact, not shown. A battery box 106 is provided integral withv the rear wall 16 of the housing for accommodating dry cell batteries 108 which provide the electrical power for motor 44. A removable cover 110 is provided for access to the battery compartment to replace the batteries should the need so arise. The battery box includes spring terminals 112 and 114 at opposite poles of the batteries.

As seen in the schematic diagram shown in FIG. 6, in addition to FIGS. 2 and 3, spring terminal 112 has an electrical conductor 116 extending directly to motor 44. A second electrical conductor 118 is connected from spring terminal 114 to switch arm 96 to provide an electrically conductive path through the frame and conductor 116 for energizing motor 44 when switch contact 94 engages radial portion 102 of cam 92.

A parallel conductive path to motor 44 is provided by a wire 120 connected from spring terminal 114 to a button contact 122 secured interior of the rear wall which cooperates with a switch blade 124 pivotally mounted on the lower rivet 31. Lower rivet 31 also carries the bracket 26 which provides a conductive path to switch 39. By suitably moving switch blade 124 sideways, out of or into engagement with button contact 122, the electrical circuit to switch 39 may be opened or closed, respectively. A conductor 125 is connected between plate 38 and the motor frame to complete the parallel electrical path to motor 44 when the switch blade 124 and switch 39 are closed.

Operationally, when switch 124 is closed, movement of the skeleton closes switch 29, energizing motor 44 for a period of time equal to the time during which the switch is closed. Motor 44 drives timing gear 88 and cam 82 through an are which is commensurate to the time which switch 39 is closed. Generally, the switch is only closed for short periods of time which causes a series of small movements of gear 82 and arm 74. These movements are usually sufficiently small to effect a slight movement of the skeleton. After a series of switch closings during which contact 94 is opposite cam portion 104, radial surface 102 of the cam eventually engages contact 94 of the switch arm to complete the parallel electrical path to the motor which causes continuous motor operation for a relatively long per od of time. The motor is energized until chord 104 of the cam wheel is again opposite contact 94 at which time the circuit opens. Energization of .the motor during this relatively long period of time drives 'arm 74 which causes the skeleton to jump up and down.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a representative articulated joint such as an elbow, hip or knee of the skeleton depicted in FIG. 1, is shown. The articulated joint includes a supporting joint member 132, a supported joint member 134, and a loose pin for loosely connecting the two joint members together.

At numerous locations on the skeleton, keyed openings 136 and extended keyed shafts 138 are provided for receiving playing pieces 14, each of which have a given point value. As best seen in FIG. 5, a simulated knee cap 140 having a pin 142 with a rectangular key element 144 is provided for engaging the complementary shaped keyed opening 136. As noted in FIG. 1, a bow tie 146 includes a keyed opening 148 which receives a complementary shaped keyed shaft 138 which enables the playing piece to be selectively removed by a game player. Other keyed playing pieces may include a pair of boots 150, an umbrella 152, a bouquet 154, a ring 156 and false teeth 158. A hat 160 and spectacles 162 are clamped on the skeleton by hat pins 164 and spectacle frames 166, respectively. Each of the playing pieces includes an opening on the front side thereof for receipt of a playing key member 182, which is manually manipulated by the players for removal of the playing pieces from the skeleton.

Finally, the game apparatus of the invention includes a deck of game cards 168, each bearing an illustration of one of the playing pieces 14, such as representively shown in FIG. 1. Game cards 168 also include a member of joker cards which may be used to represent any game piece of the player's choice.

Each of the game cards, except the joker cards bear a point value 172 which indicates the number of scoring points a player obtains for successfully removing a game piece corresponding to the illustration on that card. The game points for each game piece vary according to the difficulty which a player is likely to encounter in removing it from the skeleton. The more difficult the game piece is to remove, the greater its point value. Alternately, the point value of each game piece may appear directly on the piece.

Prior to the play of the game, each playing piece is posi-' tioned at its appropriate location on the skeleton and rotated so that the male and female portions of the interlocking keyed members are diametrically offset to make their removal more difficult. Switch blades 124 is closed and the sensitivity knob 36 is adjusted to provide a difficult or a relatively easy game, in accordance with the skills of the game players. Two game cards 168 are distributed, face down, to each game player and the remaining cards are placed face down to provide a drawing pile. One card from the drawing pile is turned face up to start a discard pile.

Beginning with the first game player, with each subsequent player taking a turn in rotation, the first player by means of key 182, may attempt to remove any playing piece 14 from the skeleton which is shown on the cards in his hand or on the top of the discard pile. Alternatively, the player may pick a fresh card from the drawing pile, but if he picks a fresh card, he must remove the item illustrated on that card. A joker allows the game player to remove any playing piece from the skeleton, but after its use, the joker is placed on the bottom of the discard pile.

Upon selecting a playing piece, the game player attempts to skillfully remove it with key 182 from the skeleton without causing movement of the skeleton which will close switch 39 and energize the motor. While short energizing periods of the motor might not be detrimentalto the player, a number of short energizations will be accumulated on cam 92 and will rotate it so that radial portion 102 engages contact 92. This switch completed the parallel path which causes a relatively long energization of the motor and violent jumping of the skeleton. A player who causes the skeleton to jump is penalized by not being allowed to keep the item and the playing card is placed on top of the discard pilefor possible use by another game player.

If a player successfully removes an item from the skeleton any other player who has a game card bearing an illustration of that item may appropriate the item from the successful game player and keep the points indicated on the item. The game card of the successful player is then discarded to the bottom of the discard pile. The deck is played through once and then all remaining game cards are played out. If a card is used from a players hand, he replaces it from the top of the drawing pile. At the end of the game, the player with the most points as determined by the total of the points of the game pieces he has successfully removed, is the winner.

While the game apparatus of the invention has been described with respect to a simulated skeleton, other embodiments such as simulated Christmas tree with removable ornaments may be utilized with equal effect.

It is obvious that upon study by those skilled in the art, the disclosed invention may be altered or modified without departing from its inventive concept.

We claim:

1. Game apparatus comprising a frame, a game member mounted on said frame for movement relative thereto; an electric motor carried by said frame and drivingly connected with said game member to effect oscillating movement thereof; and an electrical circuit means for controlling the operation of said motor, including switch means responsive to a predetermined amount of externally initiated movement of said game member relative thereto for incremental periods of time to influence said circuit means a predetermined fixed amount to independently actuate said motor to effect continuous oscillating movement of said game member for a fixed period of time.

2. Game apparatus according to claim 1, including movable support means carried by said frame for holding said game member in vertically suspended relation thereto said switch means comprising a first switch, said support means including accessories have point values which are accumulated by game one contact element of said first switch which is movable in response to movement of said game'mei'nber relativeto the first switch is normally open andcloses for an incremental period of time responsive to said predetermined amount of movement of the game member causing momentary operation of the motor moving it an incremental amount, and wherein said switch means includes a second switch parallelly con- 4. The game apparatus as set forth in claim 3 wherein said second switch comprise a cam wheel driven by said-motor wherein the sensitivity of the first switch responsive to movement of the game member may be varied; wherein said sup port means includes a resilient bracket' and including additionally; audible sound means forindicating operation of said motor.

5. The game apparatus as set forth in claim 4 wherein said game member comprises a simulated, articulated skeleton adapted to carry a number of removable,.simulated skeleton accessory game pieces; said game-pie'ces-being keyed in inter locking relation on said skeleton and adapted to be manually removed therefrom without caus'ing'movement of the game member and consequent closure of said switch means.

6. The game apparatus as set forth in claim 5 including additionally: a plurality of game cards bearing illustrations of said skeleton accessories for indicating those accessories which a game player may remove from the skeleton, and wherein said players who remove said accessories without causing said second switch to close. 7. The game apparatus according to claim 1, including additionally: a number of game pieces carried on said game member and adapted to be manually removed therefrom -without causing movement of the' game member and consequent operation of the motor.

8. The game apparatus according to claim 7 wherein said game member comprises a simulated articulated skeleton and wherein said game pieces comprise simulated accessories for said skeleton, which are keyed in interlocking relation thereon.

9. Game apparatus comprising: a housing having a bracket swingably supporting a depending, electrically conductive link carrying a suspended, movable game member; an electrically conductive horizontal plate defining a small opening receiving said link and forming a normally open, first switch; a source of electric current; an electric motor including motor driven means for accumulating incrementalmovements of said motor; electric means including said first switch for connecting said source to said motor for moving it in incremental amount responsive to sufficient movement of said game member for incremental periods of time; said electric means including a second switch parallelly connected with said first switch and positioned for operating the motor responsive to accumulation of a fixed given total amount of movement of said motor; and means coupling the motor to the bracket for imparting rapid movement to the game member for a fixed period of time upon accumulation on said motor driven means of a sum of incremental movements equal to said fixed given total amount-of movement.

10. The game apparatus as set forth in claim 9 wherein said game member comprises an articulatedskeleton having a number of removable, interlocked playing pieces. 

1. Game apparatus comprising a frame, a game member mounted on said frame for movement relative thereto; an electric motor carried by said frame and drivingly connected with said game member to effect oscillating movement thereof; and an electrical circuit means for controlling the operation of said motor, including switch means responsive to a predetermined amount of externally initiated movement of said game member relative thereto for incremental periods of time to influence said circuit means a predetermined fixed amount to independently actuate said motor to effect continuous oscillating movement of said game member for a fixed period of time.
 2. Game apparatus according to claim 1, including movable support means carried by said frame for holding said game member in vertically suspended relation thereto said switch means comprising a first switch, said support means including one contact element of said first switch which is movable in response to movement of said game member relative to the second contact element of said first switch which is fixed to said frame.
 3. The game apparatus as set forth in claim 2 wherein said first switch is normally open and closes for an incremental period of time responsive to said predetermined amount of movement of the game member causing momentary operation of the motor moving it an incremental amount, and wherein said switch means includes a second switch parallelly connected with said first switch and positioned for cooperation with said motor and closing upon completion of an accumulation of incremental movements by said motor sufficient to influence said second switch said predetermined amount for effecting the independent oscillating movement of the game member.
 4. The game apparatus as set forth in claim 3 wherein said second switch comprise a cam wheel driven by said motor wherein the sensitivity of the first switch responsive to movement of the game member may be varied; wherein said support means includes a resilient bracket, and including additionally; audible sound means for indicating operation of said motor.
 5. The game apparatus as set forth in claim 4 wherein said game member comprises a simulated, articulated skeleton adapted to carry a number of removable, simulated skeleton accessory game pieces; said game pieces being keyed in interlocking relation on said skeleton and adapted to be manually removed therefrom without causing movement of the game member and consequent closure of said switch means.
 6. The game apparatus as set forth in claim 5 including additionally: a plurality of game cards bearing illustrations of said skeleton accessories for indicating those accessories which a game player may remove from the skeleton, and wherein said accessories have point values which are accumulated by game players who remove said accessories without causing said second switch to close.
 7. The game apparatus according to claim 1, including additionalLy: a number of game pieces carried on said game member and adapted to be manually removed therefrom without causing movement of the game member and consequent operation of the motor.
 8. The game apparatus according to claim 7 wherein said game member comprises a simulated articulated skeleton and wherein said game pieces comprise simulated accessories for said skeleton, which are keyed in interlocking relation thereon.
 9. Game apparatus comprising: a housing having a bracket swingably supporting a depending, electrically conductive link carrying a suspended, movable game member; an electrically conductive horizontal plate defining a small opening receiving said link and forming a normally open, first switch; a source of electric current; an electric motor including motor driven means for accumulating incremental movements of said motor; electric means including said first switch for connecting said source to said motor for moving it in incremental amount responsive to sufficient movement of said game member for incremental periods of time; said electric means including a second switch parallelly connected with said first switch and positioned for operating the motor responsive to accumulation of a fixed given total amount of movement of said motor; and means coupling the motor to the bracket for imparting rapid movement to the game member for a fixed period of time upon accumulation on said motor driven means of a sum of incremental movements equal to said fixed given total amount of movement.
 10. The game apparatus as set forth in claim 9 wherein said game member comprises an articulated skeleton having a number of removable, interlocked playing pieces. 